Cancer Prevention Works: Screen. Prevent. Save Lives

March 2020

New CDC Vital Signs Highlights the Importance of On Time Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Every year in the United States, about 140,000 people get colorectal (colon) cancer. Most new cases (about 90%) occur in people who are age 50 or older. Colorectal cancer can be prevented with screening, which can find polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum so they can be removed before turning into cancer. A new CDC Vital Signs reports that only 1 in 2 adults are up to date with colorectal cancer screening by their early 50s (ages 50–54), compared to 81% in their early 70s. Early stages of polyps often occur without symptoms and that’s why getting recommended screenings is the key to prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, when treatment works best.

There are six different screening test options for colorectal cancer, including some that can be done at home. Talk to your doctor about a screening schedule and which test is right for you. Don’t wait. Be sure to get screened on time starting at 50 to prevent or find this cancer early. Join us in promoting Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. CDC’s Screen for Life resources can help you learn more about your risk, screening, and test options.

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New Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer

Across the United States, cancer death rates are decreasing. The new Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer finds that for all cancer sites combined, cancer death rates continued to decline in men, women, adolescents, and children from 2001 to 2017. Cancer death rates decreased 1.5% on average per year during 2001–2017, decreasing more rapidly among men (1.8% on average) than among women (1.4% on average). Overall, cancer incidence rates decreased 0.6% on average per year during 2012 through 2016.

For the first time, this report provides rates and trends for the most common cancers among children younger than 15 years, and among adolescents and young adults aged 15-39 years. Among children, the most common cancer types were leukemia, brain and other nervous system cancers, and lymphoma. The most common cancer among adolescents and young adults was female breast cancer.

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Most Adults Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening Are Not Getting It

Most cancer deaths in the United States are caused by lung cancer. Finding lung cancer at an early stage when treatment can be more effective, may help reduce deaths related to lung cancer. A recent study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), looks at lung cancer screening data from 10 states. Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) is recommended every year for adults 55-80 years old who currently smoke and have a history of heavy smoking (30 pack-year/one pack per day for one year) or have quit within the past 15 years.

The study found that 87% of adults who met the screening criteria did not report receiving a CT scan to check for lung cancer in the last 12 months. Study results suggest that more efforts to educate healthcare providers and to provide decision tools might increase recommended lung cancer screening.

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New Screening Recommendation for Hepatitis C Virus Infection May Help Reduce Liver Cancers

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a new recommendation in screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The USPSTF recommends screening for HCV infection in all adults aged 18 to 79 without known liver disease, symptoms, or risk. This replaces the previous recommendation in 2013, which recommended screening for HCV infection only in adults born between 1945 and 1965 and people at high risk for infection. Most adults need to be screened only once. People with continued risk such as injection drug use, should be screened regularly.

If left untreated, an HCV infection can lead to hepatitis C, a liver disease with long-term health problems such as liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver cancer. Expanding the age for HCV screening can help identify infections earlier, when timely treatments may prevent or reduce liver cancers related to hepatitis C.

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Research Spotlight

Insurance Coverage, Employment Status, and Financial Well-Being of Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer examines the experiences of young women diagnosed with breast cancer and the challenges in maintaining employment, insurance coverage, and financial stability. Incidence and Public Health Burden of Sunburn Among Beachgoers in the United States looks at the relationship between sunburns, a risk factor for skin cancer, and barriers to sun protection in a beach environment.

Did You Know? A colonoscopy is just one type of screening test for colorectal cancer. Several types of screening tests can be used to prevent colorectal cancer or find it early so that treatment works best. People who have cancer or have had cancer in the past, are at an increased risk for infections because of their weakened immune system. Make sure you keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water to help prevent infections.